Application
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to provide information to individuals and groups on the impact of smoking and nicotine dependence and available smoking cessation resources and programs. It does not include providing smoking cessations interventions.
This unit applies to work in a public health context and workers at this level will demonstrate judgement and limited responsibility within defined guidelines.
The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian/New Zealand standards and industry codes of practice.
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENT | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
Elements define the essential outcomes. | The Performance Criteria specify the level of performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the Element. |
1. Screen clients for smoking | 1.1 Discuss the client’s tobacco use 1.2 Assess client’s nicotine dependence using a validated method 1.3 Record client results according to organisation policy and procedure 1.4 Maintain client records professionally and accurately 1.5 Observe and maintain client confidentiality in all interactions |
2. Provide information on smoking and its effects | 2.1 Provide client with information about smoking and its effects relevant to client’s individual circumstances and background 2.2 Promote health benefits to the client of quitting smoking relevant to client’s specific individual circumstances and background |
3. Provide information on smoking cessation treatments and their outcomes | 3.1 Identify and promote national and international best practice strategies for smoking cessation 3.2 Take into account needs of special groups in promoting smoking cessation programs 3.3 Provide clients with self-help materials 3.4 Provide referral to telephone counselling and other support services 3.5 Provide follow-up information as requested by the client |
Evidence of Performance
The candidate must show evidence of the ability to complete tasks outlined in the elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage tasks and manage contingencies in the context of the job role. There must be demonstrated evidence that the candidate has:
provided at least 3 clients or groups assessed as nicotine dependent with information about smoking and smoking cessation, including promoting benefits of quitting, strategies for smoking cessation and referral services.
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must be able to demonstrate essential knowledge required to effectively complete tasks outlined in the elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage tasks and manage contingencies in the context of the work role. This includes knowledge of:
the social, political and economic context of tobacco use in Australian society
prevalence of smoking in the Australian population, including gender, age and cultural distribution
cultural and gender factors associated with tobacco use in Australia, including variations in smoking methods and prevalence between culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) groups and particular demographic groups
particular problems and needs associated with smoking among special groups, including pregnant and lactating women, adolescents, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with smoking related diseases and people with a mental illness
behavioural and pharmacological determinants of smoking behaviour
barriers to quitting smoking
basic human anatomy and physiology, particularly the brain, the lungs and the circulatory system as it relates to smoking and its effects
broad characteristics of the chemical constituents in tobacco smoke
common behavioural triggers associated with smoking
common symptoms of nicotine withdrawal and their relationship to physical recovery
evidence-based key strategies for smoking cessation
interaction of nicotine with various medications
internationally accepted definitions of nicotine dependence
physiological links between mental illness and nicotine dependence
process of neuro-adaptation to nicotine
processes of titration of nicotine dose and smoker compensation practices
short and long-term known health effects of active and passive smoking
validated nicotine dependence screening methods
smoking cessation self-help and support material and referral agencies.
Assessment Conditions
Skills must have been demonstrated in the workplace or in a simulated environment that reflects workplace conditions. Where simulation is used, it must reflect real working conditions by modelling industry operating conditions and contingencies as well as using suitable facilities, equipment and resources.
Assessors must satisfy the Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) 2015/AQTF mandatory competency requirements for assessors.
Foundation Skills
The Foundation Skills describe those required skills (language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills) that are essential to performance.
Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.